Why Liberals in India Are Actually Non-Liberal

Liberalism in its true sense stands for freedom of speech, tolerance, individual rights, and limited government intervention. However, in India, many self-proclaimed liberals often act in ways that contradict these principles. This paradox raises the question: are they truly liberal, or has the term been misappropriated? Here’s why modern Indian liberals are often non-liberal in practice.

1. Intolerance Towards Opposing Views

True liberalism encourages open debate and diversity of thought. However, in India, many so-called liberals actively silence dissenting voices. Whether it is branding opposing views as “regressive” or “communal,” or demanding bans on books, movies, and speeches, their actions mirror authoritarian tendencies rather than liberal values.

2. The Rise of Cancel Culture in India

Cancel culture, once seen in the West, has now deeply infiltrated India’s socio-political discourse. Many liberals advocate for de-platforming individuals with differing opinions, be it through boycotts, online harassment, or pressuring institutions to take action against them. This behavior is directly opposed to the liberal principle of free speech.

3. Selective Support for Free Speech

Indian liberals claim to support free speech but often only for those who align with their ideology. They vehemently oppose restrictions when it affects their narrative but remain silent—or even supportive—when speech opposing their views is censored. Be it restrictions on religious discourse, criticism of political figures, or suppression of nationalist sentiments, their selective outrage exposes their hypocrisy.

4. Identity Politics Over Individual Rights

Liberalism emphasizes individual freedom over group identity. However, in India, modern liberals often push identity politics, prioritizing caste, religion, and gender over merit and individual rights. Policies such as caste-based reservations beyond their original purpose and calls for specific religious appeasement contradict the idea of equal opportunity for all.

5. Authoritarianism Disguised as Progress

While classical liberalism advocates for limited government, many Indian liberals support increased state control, particularly in areas like speech regulation, economic policies, and social behavior. From promoting stringent social media laws to advocating for excessive government intervention in private industries, they align more with authoritarianism than liberal democracy.

6. Hypocrisy on Democracy and Institutions

Indian liberals claim to uphold democracy but selectively question its outcomes. They celebrate court verdicts and electoral results when they align with their ideology but dismiss them as flawed when they don’t. Calls to undermine democratic processes, such as seeking international intervention in domestic affairs, further highlight this contradiction.

7. Opposition to Economic Freedom

Liberalism traditionally supports free markets, but Indian liberals often endorse heavy regulations, high taxation, and wealth redistribution under the guise of “social justice.” While economic reforms have lifted millions out of poverty, many liberals resist free-market policies and instead advocate for socialist measures that hinder entrepreneurship and economic growth.

Conclusion

In India, many who claim to be liberals have moved away from the core principles of liberalism—free speech, individual liberty, and limited government. Instead, they push for censorship, identity politics, and economic control, making them functionally non-liberal despite their label. True liberalism means defending the right to free expression and economic freedom for everyone, not just those who share one’s beliefs.

The future of liberalism in India depends on whether its proponents can return to its foundational values or continue down the path of selective outrage and authoritarian tendencies. Only time will tell.